Known for its popular souks and charming pop-up markets, Dubai is home to an array of attractive tourist destinations. From contemporary stalls selling fine aromatic spices to rich flavours awaiting you, the Spice Market in Dubai is unparalleled.
Seamlessly blending Dubai’s years of experience in outdoor markets with its traditional charm, the spice market is a must-visit. As a treasure trove of cardamom and saffron, no spice is left behind at the souk. Let’s discover everything you need to know about the Spice Market in Dubai.
A Little Bit About the Spice Souk in Dubai
Looking to explore Dubai’s imported and traditional aromas and flavours? The Spice Market Dubai awaits you. Offering an array of herbs and spices, the spice souk is an experience of its own.
Bargain the saffron price like a Dubai local, or match your perfect oud scent and take it home. Buy unusual things like Kashk and Gum Arabic and add the Spice Souk to your list of family-friendly activities in Dubai. So, here’s a breakdown of the Spice Souk!
Location
The Dubai Spice Market is conveniently located at 41 34th Street. Situated in Deira, it is a charming destination in Al Ras, Dubai, UAE.
Opening Hours
Since the spice souk is an outdoor market, it is recommended to shop during daytime hours. To avoid peak traffic hours, plan ahead of time and leave early.
- Timings: 07:30 am to 09:55 pm (Monday – Friday) and 07:30 am to 11:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
How to Get There
There are several transit options available to get to Spice Market in Dubai. Dubai public transport provides bus or metro services that conveniently get you to the spice market within time. The most popular transit routes include:
- Deira – Old Souq 2
- Deira – Old Souq 1
- Deira Old Souq Marine Transport Station
- Al Ras Metro Bus Stop 1
- Al Ras Metro Bus Stop 2
- Al Ras – Public Library Bus Stop
- Al Ras Metro Station
- Dubai Museum – Bus Station
- Emirates NBD-1 Bus Stop
Nearby Attractions
As the Spice Market is located in Deira, several attractions are nearby. Whether you want to shop for gold jewellery or visit a heritage museum, you are in for a treat. The most popular nearby attractions include:
- Heritage House: 2 minutes away via Al Ras Road and Al Ahmadiya Street
- Dubai Gold Souk: 3 minutes away via Al Khor Street
- Old Souk: 5 minutes away via Baniyas Road
- Dubai Municipality Museum: 7 minutes away via Baniyas Road
- SMJU General Trading: 8 minutes away via Baniyas Road
- Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort: 13 minutes away via Baniyas Road
Spice Shopping
Go on a memorable journey through Dubai Spice Market’s exclusive vendors. Choose from a selection of India’s exotic spices that enrich basic cuisine to Dubai’s fine-dining restaurant cuisine. Whether you want to season your latest culinary masterpiece or add some flavour, Spice Market has it all.
Imported spices from Pakistan, Turkey, and India make every dish a sensory delight, from aroma to taste.
Buy the Latest Ouds
Dubai’s Spice Souk also offers a spectacular perfume selection. From room incense to Arabic ouds, customers can shop a wide array of Agarwood, Sandal and Rose ouds. The Arabic perfume selection is displayed in stunning glass decks with each scent labelled with its respective notes.
Unusual Things to Buy at Spice Market Dubai
Like Abu Dhabi’s Souk at Qaryat al Beri, Dubai’s Spice Souk is a treasure trove of unusual souvenirs. Shop from a vast selection of bizarre trinkets, spices, and flowers for your loved ones or yourself.
Gum Arabic
Referred to as Gum Sudani or Acacia, the Gum Arabic is a hardened tree sap. Harvested from the Acacia Senegal tree, Gum Arabic is known for its pre-biotic benefits. More benefits include:
- Kidney and liver healing
- Watercolour paint binder
- Glazing ceramic pieces
Kashk
Kashk or Qara Qarut is mainly found in Iran and Middle Eastern regions. Renowned for it’s prolonged shelf life, customers can shop for Kashk at the Spice Market. Mix it in chicken stews or chicken soup and enrich meat flavours. Kashk can be found in cubes, ripped stripes or ball chunks.
Anastatica
Popular as Maryam Booti or Kaff Maryam, Anastatica is an unusual masterpiece hidden amidst the Spice Market. Anastatica is famous for its health benefits for women during severe sickness or pregnancy.
Saffron
A spice derived from mainly Iran, Saffron is hailed for its expensive aroma, price and taste. The stunning orange-red threats are harvested threads and can be found at the spice market in Dubai. Used by culinary master chefs at Dubai’s Indian restaurants, it accentuates the earthy flavours within Asian and Mediterranean dishes.
Indigo
Arranged as blue balls at the spice market, Indigo is infamous for its cosmetic and clothing applications. Need to dye your favourite Indian or Pakistani Dupatta? Get your hands on the exclusive Indigo dye. However, the dye stains are difficult to get off even after a few washes.
Sea Bean
Hailed from Africa, the infamous sea bean is part of African heritage and its plants. Buy a varied selection at the Spice Market and test out its backache remedy magic.
FAQs
Most vendors or stalls are located outdoors at the Spice Market. These vendors do not have an air conditioning unit. However, some stalls may have misting or cooling fans, allowing customers to escape Dubai’s heat for a while.
Spice vendors need to research Dubai’s intensive market before opening a spice shop. Ensure product quality, use USPs, hire knowledgeable employees and take advantage of social media to market yourself.
3) What Are the Nearest Restaurants to the Dubai Spice Market?
Craving a bite from Dubai’s best restaurants? Whether you crave Dubai’s exotic Asian or Pakistani dishes, several options are available nearby, including:
– Aden Restaurant: 5 minutes away
– Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Cafe: 18 minutes away
– XVA Cafe: 18 minutes away
– Creek City Restaurant: 18 minutes away
Customers should test their bargaining power while shopping from the spice market to obtain discounts. Check for product quality before making a purchase. Moreover, ask for the vendor’s expertise if you are unsure about a specific product.
The Museum of the Future is a stone’s throw (or a hefty drive) away from the Dubai Spice Market. Accessible via taxi or car services, the most popular routes include:
– Museum of the Future: 24 minutes away via Sheikh Zayed Road
Shopping at the spice market Dubai is an unforgettable experience. From bargaining and driving down spice prices to purchasing exotic perfumes, plan a day out at the market!
